The unsurpassed talent of the singer and musician Bobby McFerrin is so unique that he alone (without the accompaniment of an orchestra) makes the listeners forget about everything and listen to his magical voice.
Fans claim that his gift for improvisation is so strong that the presence of Bobby and a microphone on stage is enough. The rest is just optional.
Childhood and youth of Bobby McFerrin
Bobby McFerrin was born March 11, 1950 in the birthplace of jazz, in New York. Born into a musical family, he grew up in a creative atmosphere from early childhood. His father (famous opera soloist) and mother (famous singer) instilled in his son a love for music and singing.
At school, he mastered playing the clarinet and piano. Classical music by Beethoven and Verdi sounded constantly in the house. After graduating from school, he entered the University of California, where he continued his education.
He combined his studies with tours as part of pop groups, they traveled all over the country. But he felt that this was not his calling. His strong point was his voice.
The creative work of Bobby McFerrin
Bobby McFerrin's debut as a vocalist took place at the age of 27. A mature musician became the vocalist of the Astral Project group. Joint work with jazz stars allowed him to conquer the musical podium.
A fateful acquaintance with the manager Linda allowed him to start a solo career as a singer. Linda, as a permanent manager, accompanied him throughout his creative activity.
A gift of fate was an amazing acquaintance with the legendary comedian of the time, who helped the singer organize his debut performance at a jazz festival in 1980.
The singer's improvisations were so good that the audience did not let him leave the stage for a long time. The hearts of millions of listeners were conquered.
Solo album by artist Bobby McFerrin
A successful performance at the 1981 festival was the reason for the signing of a new successful contract. The very next year, the singer released his first solo album under his own name, thanks to which Bobby gained overwhelming success and became one of the best jazz hits.
It was at this time that he was called the "magic voice." This was the motivation for creating the album.
In 1984, he recorded the unique disc "Voice". This is the first jazz album without musical accompaniment by instruments. The cappella style revealed the extraordinary possibilities of his beautiful voice.
The singer worked hard, new albums were released every year, bringing fame and reverence to jazz connoisseurs. The touring activity was extraordinarily successful.
Europe was captivated by his vocal abilities, the German scene was delighted with the songs from the Voice album. The success was unprecedented.
In 1985, Bobby received well-deserved awards. He won the most prestigious Grammy award in several categories for his performance and arrangement of the song "Another Night in Tunisia".
At his performances, he arranged dialogues with the audience, endearing him to himself and conquering with simplicity and good nature. These dialogues are a distinctive manner of his speeches.
Bobby won world fame for the song Don't worry, be happy in 1988. The song was awarded the highest award in the nominations "Song of the Year" and "Record of the Year". And the cartoon studio used it in one of the films for children.
Bobby, together with famous comedians, recorded a video clip, which turned out to be cheerful, moderately ironic.
A sharp change in role
Having reached the heights of the musical Olympus, Bobby abruptly changed his musical preferences - he became interested in the art of conducting. The endless search for himself did not let him rest on his laurels.
As early as 1990, he conducted the San Francisco Symphony Orchestra. The successful conductor was soon invited by orchestras in New York, Chicago, London and others.
In 1994, he was invited to the post of director of the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra, which influenced his musical tastes. Bobby recorded a new album, in which the music of famous classics Mozart, Bach, Tchaikovsky sounded.
Storyteller Bobby
Restless in expanding his knowledge and skill, Bobby wanted novelty in his creative activity. He was no longer satisfied with the title of "Innovator of the Jazz Industry". He was looking for new uses for his talents.
And I found it in a recording of an audio fairy tale.
He is interested in working on voicing cartoon characters, performing children's songs, recording CDs with songs for children.
Personal life
At 25, Bobby fell in love with a girl from the Green family. In the same year they got married. Three children were born in the marriage.
In ordinary life, Bobby is a shy, modest person, a good family man, a loving father and husband. He is absolutely indifferent to glory.
The daughter and two sons connected their lives with musical creativity, following in the footsteps of their father.
The talent of this unique singer is multifaceted. He is a singer, musician, incomparable improviser, storyteller, conductor. His concerts are lively and unconstrained.
He does not write in advance a plan for performing at concerts, impromptu is his main strong point. All his concerts are not similar to each other. This allows his fans to enjoy new performances.
The master of the "synthetic show" charges thousands of spectators who come to his concerts with positive energy.
